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  Dust and Light - On the Art of...

  Andrea Barrett

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  The celebrated National Book Award–winning writer's intimate exploration of how fact is transformed into fiction. 
   
   
   
  In this thoughtful collection of essays, Andrea Barrett draws from her experiences writing some of the most acclaimed historical fiction of our time to explore the mysteries and delights of the genre. Inspiration found in the past, she argues, can illuminate fiction, just as dust scatters light and makes the unseen visible. Delving into some of the largest questions in the genre—How does a writer find meaningful subject matter beyond the confines of their life? How are scraps of history transformed into a fully formed narrative?—Barrett explores how she came to create some of her beloved works and explores lessons gleaned from the work of such masters of historical fiction as Toni Morrison, Leo Tolstoy, Hilary Mantel, and Colm Tóibín. Candid and elegant, Dust and Light is the perfect book for anyone who loves reading fiction set in the past, as well as for anyone aspiring to write it.

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  Rifles - Six Years with...

  Mark Urban

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  The 95th Rifles - Wellington's sharpshooters - first into battle and last out.Acclaimed military writer Mark Urban explores the extraordinary story of these military pioneers; the toughest and deadliest infantrymen in Wellington's Army.Immortalised in Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels, the 95th Rifles were skirmishers tasked with acting as Wellington's advanced guard. It was new technology for the warfare of the time: they travelled light, moved rapidly, armed with the accurate rifles that would allow them to take shots from distance. The 95th Rifles were the prototype of the modern infantryman.Mark Urban's fascinating history of the 95th is a must-listen for anyone interested in military history.From the author of Task Force Black, Big Boys' Rules and The Tank War.'If you like Sharpe, then this book is a must, your Christmas present solved.' Bernard Cornwell, Daily Mail

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  Wagner and the Creation of the Ring

  Michael Downes

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  Part cultural history, part biography, this is the fascinating story of Richard Wagner's life, influences, gift for storytelling, and artistic revolution, culminating in his dramatic journey to write The Ring Cycle. 
   
  The Ring Cycle is one of the most epic and compelling operas of the nineteenth century, created by a composer who was, alongside Dickens, Tolstoy, and Victor Hugo, also one of the century's master storytellers. But the story of how Richard Wagner created the work is one full of intrigue and triumphs against unlikely odds—as well as controversy, due to the composer's antisemitic views and popularity with the Nazi party. 
   
  In Wagner and the Creation of the Ring, Michael Downes combines cultural history and biography to recount the colorful, fascinating, and insightful journey behind the creation of The Ring and its mythology. He tells the story of how and why this extraordinary masterpiece came into being, why it takes the form it does, why it fascinates and obsesses so many—and horrifies others—and why it still matters today.

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  Caterpillars - From their pens...

  E F Benson

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  Edward Frederic Benson was born in Berkshire, England on 24th July 1867. 
  Educated at Marlborough and Kings College Cambridge he began his career as a writer at an early age and was published whilst still studying. 
  Benson was also a gifted athlete and represented his country at figure skating. 
  His career was prodigious and widely acknowledged.  Perhaps he is best known for his collection of novels about ‘Mapp & Lucia’ which have proved very popular throughout the decades.   
  Benson was also well regarded as a writer of ghost stories—‘spook stories’ in the then vernacular—as well as biographies.  His ghost and supernatural fiction covered a range of subjects but all were exceptionally well-written, drenched in atmosphere, riven with chills and have stood the test of popularity over the decades as testament to his literary talents.  
  Benson was never married and practised his homosexuality discreetly. 
  E F Benson died on 29th February 1940 at University College Hospital, London of throat cancer.  He was 72.

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  Caesar's Conquest: The Unveiling...

  Alexander Roman

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  In "Caesar's Conquest: The Unveiling of a Visionary Leader," dive into the fascinating history of Julius Caesar, his political rise, military conquests, and lasting legacy in the Roman Empire. This captivating account explores the life of Julius Caesar, his strategic genius, exceptional leadership, and the enduring impact of his decisions on world history. 
  Whether you are looking for information on Julius Caesar, Julius Ceaser, or Julius Ceasar, this comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights into his influence on the Roman Republic and his campaigns in Gaul. Learn about the intricate power struggles, alliances, and military tactics that shaped his journey and propelled him to greatness. 
  From his early years and political maneuvers to his remarkable military victories and ultimate downfall, this narrative captures the essence of one of history’s most influential figures. Discover Julius Caesar’s role in shaping the Roman Republic, his leadership style, and his impact on future generations. 
  If you are fascinated by the Roman Empire, military strategy, and the political intrigue of ancient Rome, this account of Julius Caesar’s life offers a detailed and engaging exploration. Covering key events such as his alliances, wars, and the fateful Ides of March, it provides an in-depth look at his journey from military general to dictator. 
  Whether you know him as Julius Caesar, Julius Ceaser, or Julius Ceasar, this insightful narrative presents a thorough understanding of his achievements, his challenges, and his lasting mark on Western civilization.Alexander Roman

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  Death in the Woods - From their...

  Sherwood Anderson

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  Sherwood Anderson was born on 13th September 1876 in Camden, Ohio. 
  When his father’s business failed the family was forced to move on a regular basis before finally settling in Clyde, Ohio.   
  Anderson, one of 7 children, left school at 14 to take a number of jobs to help with the family finances. These were difficult years. 
  He moved to Chicago in search of opportunities before joining the Army for the US-Spanish War of 1898.  He then entered Wittenberg Academy in Springfield, Ohio to complete his education before moving back to Chicago to take up a writing job. 
  In 1904 he married Cornelia Lane, her family had resources and Anderson was keen, with this family backing, to run a business. 
  The early years of their marriage produced 3 children but a nervous breakdown in 1907 and another in 1912, despite his success as a business entrepreneur, resulted in him abandoning his family and deciding that a literary career would be best for him.   
  A move back to Chicago resulted in a job in advertising, a divorce from Cornelia and marriage to Tennessee Mitchell.  
  That same year his first book ‘Windy McPherson’s Son’ was released and in 1919, his most famous book, ‘Winesburg, Ohio’, a collection of short stories about life in an Ohio town was released. 
  Anderson continued to write short stories, novels and non-fiction but his only true bestseller came with ‘Dark Laughter’.  His influence on writers that followed, from Faulkner to Hemingway, was immense. He also married a further two times.   
  Sherwood Anderson died in in Colón, Panama, on the 8th March, 1941. He was 64. An autopsy revealed that a swallowed toothpick had resulted in peritonitis. 
  His headstone epitaph reads ‘Life, Not Death is the Great Adventure.’

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